Yunochaya

After strolling the approach to Kokedera or Suzumushi-dera, Yunochaya offers an inviting spot to pause and rest. A long-cherished specialty here is "Koke no Tsuki," a bowl of tororo soba named for its visual resemblance to the moon reflected on the surface of Kokedera's temple pond. A velvety layer of grated mountain yam covers the buckwheat noodles, sprinkled with fragrant aonori seaweed and fine slivers of aromatic yuzu citrus. The dashi-rich broth and tororo cling closely to the soba, creating a gentle, harmonious flavor that tempts you to finish every drop of soup.

Soba Trays Paired with Barley Rice

When lunchtime calls for something more substantial, the set pairing tororo soba with mugigohan (barley rice) hits the spot. Spooning the savory, broth-laced yam over the barley rice as you work your way through the noodles makes for a rustic and deeply satisfying meal. The menu also includes Kyoto favorites such as nishin soba topped with simmered herring, chilled zaru tororo soba, and standalone bowls of mugimeshi tororo, giving you plenty of choices depending on the weather and your appetite.

Traditional Sweets for a Walking Break

The classic teahouse confections are another pleasure of stopping by. True to its temple-gate setting, the shop serves treats such as bracken-starch warabi mochi infused with matcha, bowls paired with soft-serve ice cream, chilled kuzukiri starch noodles served with dark kuromitsu syrup, and warm chestnut zenzai sweet red bean soup. Whether pausing over a freshly whisked bowl of usucha matcha or cooling down after a walk with matcha ice cream, it is an easy place to settle in after a meal or for an afternoon rest.

The shop operates during the daytime from 10:30 to 16:00 and sits right beside the bus stop. It makes a natural stop along your temple visits, whether for a bowl of dashi-infused noodles or a quiet cup of tea with sweets.